Writing Center Mailbox: Questions and Answers
By Mary Lieske

My teacher tells me that I need to brainstorm ideas, but I don't know what that means. How do I brainstorm?

There are many different ways to “brainstorm.” Brainstorming is simply gathering ideas and possible topics for your paper. Some of the options for brainstorming include: freewriting, mapping, outlining, cubing, and discussion. Yes, talking with other people about the assignment helps to generate ideas. Or, if you're stuck (or want to learn more), stop by the Writing Center – we'll be glad to help you out.

Do I have to have three supporting points?

That depends. If your professor has asked specifically for three, then yes. Check your assignment sheet. If not, then you can certainly have more than three. Just don't try to put too much into your paper; take the time to examine and explain each point thoroughly.

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes. We prefer that you make an appointment, just in case, but if you walk in and someone is available to help you then we will. Walk-in appointments are not, however, always available, as we may fill up.

Is there a limit as to how many times I can come in?

Unfortunately, yes. We only allow for one fifty minute appointment per person per day. This is because we only have a certain number of consultants, and we will fill up. We try not to turn students away, and we want to help as many as possible. As a result, we only allow one session per day, and three sessions per week.

The consultant and I were working, but s/he cut off my appointment at ten minutes until the hour. Why?

Sessions are only fifty minutes long, starting on the hour. We simply cannot go over those fifty minutes, because there are other students with appointments. If you still need help, ask your consultant for handouts or stop by the desk to make another appointment. Use the time between sessions to work on what you and your consultant were able to cover together, and have your questions ready to bring to the table next time.

Do I need to be there when I have a session?

YES. You need to “be there” in every sense of the word. A consultation is, more than anything else, a conversation between you and the person you're working with, and that conversation is about your paper. Please do not text, read the newspaper, or use your cell phone while in a session. This prevents the consultant from working with you, and means that the help you get will be limited. We do not “mark up” your papers for you.

Do you have questions to be considered for the Mailbox? Email them to:
mlieske@eiu.edu